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Former alumni director dies

By Katie Ellis

Charles “Chuck” Dickson, 70, died of lung cancer at his home in Trumansburg, N.Y. on Jan. 15. After retiring from a successful career with NYSEG, where he rose to the position of vice president and general manager, Dickson joined the staff at Binghamton University in 1995 as director of alumni affairs. He served in that position until his retirement in October 2002.

Heavily involved in community service activities throughout his adult life, Dickson contributed to the University by increasing alumni outreach, creating the Alumni Association Golf Tournament, overseeing the Alumni Association’s third five-year plan and actively promoting the University’s athletics program transition to Division I.

Marcia Craner, vice president for external affairs, was associate vice president for alumni and development during Dickson’s tenure with the University. “Chuck could walk into a room full of our alumni and know about each graduate’s story. He enjoyed people and he cared about their lives,” she said. “He often told me, after his retirement, that his years at Binghamton were some of the best in his life."

Gerald Putman ’76, MBA ’84, a member of the Binghamton University Alumni Association Board of Directors and a long-time Dickson friend and colleague, said Dickson liked to have fun, but also worked hard. “He was someone who made you feel good about what you were doing, whether it was the most important thing in the world or some menial task. He made you feel like you were the most important person doing it - and you were doing it better than anyone else.”

“Chuck was one of those special people who could light up a room just by entering it, and he had this endearing wink and smile that won the hearts of all he encountered,” said Rose Frierman, director of alumni and parent operations. “He looked for the good in everyone and he made many friends for the Alumni Association and University.”

Dickson is survived by his wife, Karen, his mother, two sons, two daughters, and several extended family members. Contributions in Dickson’s memory may be made to the “Binghamton University Foundation Memorial Account #10351.” Note in the memo line “in memory of Chuck Dickson.” Funds will be designated to the University according to the family’s wishes. Donations in his memory can also be made to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850.